BioMed Central Blog

MIQE precis: with reference to reference genes

Genes that maintain constant expression under a variety of circumstances are known as ‘reference genes’. They are vital for researchers who need to quantify gene expression changes in other genes and need a ‘reference point’ against which to do so. BMC Molecular Biology, has to date published around 200 reference gene-related papers from researchers working in such diverse models as peaches, sharks, barnacles and glioblastoma to name but a few.

However, to be a true reference gene you need to fulfil a certain list of criteria and the research field is now united in requesting that all work be performed to the same accuracy and in accordance with recommended guidelines. The Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments (MIQE) guidelines were launched over a year ago by an international team of researchers. The aim of these guidelines was to enable the benchmark technology for measuring gene expression (quantitative PCR [qPCR]) to become standardised when reported in research papers. The MIQE guidelines advise on good assay design and appropriate data analyses for nucleic acid detection and quantification. BioMed Central supports and promotes initiatives aimed at improving the reporting of biomedical research, and refers authors  to the MIBBI Portal (of which MIQE is part of) for reporting biological and biomedical research. Whilst some authors have included MIQE checklists as supplemental files with their work (for example here), there has been some debate as to the utility and ease in doing this in all cases.

After working with several Editorial Board Members from BMC Molecular Biology, we propose that all researchers wishing to publish qPCR work do so by adhering to our simpler and more abridged 'light' guidelines – MIQE précis. We also propose that the majority of reference gene papers are no longer suitable for publication as ‘pure reference gene papers’, but this information will need to be incorporated as part of a larger study. Alternatively, authors may publish these more incremental (but still potentially useful) pure reference gene articles in BMC Research Notes to contribute to our topical series: “Quantitative Real Time PCR normalization and optimization”.

Incorrectly measuring qPCR does not just have consequences in basic science, as its misuse in molecular diagnostics can have very serious consequences. In 2002 Andrew Wakefield caused controversy when claiming that a form of irritable bowel disease was triggered by the measles virus. The findings were subsequently shown to be incorrect, owing to poor qPCR analysis. This emphasises the need for correct application of a very common technique. The BMC series of journals requests that all authors actively use the MIQE précis guidelines before submitting their manuscripts. We have also produced an easy-to-use checklist that authors are encouraged to include as a supplementary file.

Improving the reproducibility of biomedical research and making data available in readily interpretable formats is vital to realising its value in driving new knowledge discovery, and this scheme joins BioMed Central's many initiatives aimed at promoting best practice in sharing and publishing data.

Posted by Scott Edmunds at 14:43    Comments (0)